Helen Naomi Buhler Ossmann

Helen Naomi Buhler Ossmann, 97, of Topeka, passed away February 1, 2014. She was born in Pretty Prairie, Kansas on October 26, 1916, to Helen J. Hansmann and David B. Buhler, M.D. Her father was a well-known physician, having been one of the first graduates of KU Medical School in 1904. She was one of seven brothers and sisters, four of which preceded her in death, Esther Buhler Paxton, Victor B. Buhler, M.D., Everett E. Buhler and Ella Irene Buhler Miller. She is survived by Geraldine Buhler Smith and husband Glee S. Smith, Jr., Carol Buhler Francis and husband George W. Francis.

Her life in Pretty Prairie was one of much activity in the schools and church, followed by her attending college at Southwestern College in Winfield and also Bethel College in Newton. She graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in Home Economics and went right to work in Council Grove as the Home Demonstration Agent for Morris County. There she met and married Harry Becker in 1943 ---together they had a successful insurance and real estate business. Harry died in 1955.

While in Council Grove, Helen received her license as a private pilot and flew the skies boldly.

She married Carl G. Ossmann on December 6, 1958, and moved to Topeka to start a new life as a mother and an architect's wife. Carl died January 15, 2002.

Known for her skills in the kitchen and as a hostess, Helen kept a large garden for many years canning and freezing vegetables she'd grown.

Helen was active in many civic and religious organizations. She served as a Republican Precinct Committeewoman and volunteered as a poll worker for primary and general elections in Shawnee County. Her church life at Westminster Presbyterian and later First Presbyterian Church was very important to her.

Helen was a long-time active member of Chapter C.S. of the P.E.O. sisterhood.

Both of the boys in her life became Eagle Scouts due to her encouragement and support.

She is survived by her sons, Carl William "Bill" Ossmann and his wife Catherine Potter Ossmann of Topeka, Kansas and John Bender Ossmann and his wife Sharon Ossmann of Portland, Oregon; and her grandchildren, Rosemary and Thomas Cullimore, Patrick Ossmann and Allison Falleur. Helen was excited to learn that she'd become a great grandmother with the birth of twins Trevin and Mikayla Cullimore on Saturday, January 11, 2014.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2014, at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66604. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the First Presbyterian Church or P.E.O Chapter C.S.

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